“The Republican budget, as proposed by Governor Walker, would have eliminated SeniorCare as we know it, increasing healthcare costs for 90,000 Wisconsin seniors. I am proud to have stood with my Democratic colleagues, delivering more than 14,000 signatures to Republican leaders on behalf of our constituents who count on SeniorCare for affordable prescription drugs.

It is reprehensible that Governor Walker had proposed virtual elimination of a program that saves lives and saves money for our most vulnerable neighbors. I am thrilled that we kept SeniorCare off the chopping block but disappointed that we had to fight so hard for what should be common sense.

Today’s news is a victory for Democrats, but our work is far from over as Republicans continue to move forward with a budget that fails Wisconsin on education and economic opportunity. As it stands in the Republican budget, The University of Wisconsin still faces a 300 million dollar cut, and our neighborhood public schools will lose 48 million in funding that Republicans plan to shift to unaccountable private schools.

I will continue to fight alongside my Democratic colleagues for a budget that will restore economic opportunity for our constituents and will ensure that every family has access to a top-notch education.”